Mighty Mukuru Wanderers yet to release players for Flames camp

NOT IN FLAMES CAMP— Kumwembe and Chaziya

A club-versus-country war continues as Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have not released players for Malawi National Football Team training camp, few days before the start of the four-nation tournament at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

Flames coach Patrick Mabedi included seven Wanderers players in the 27-member provisional squad and these are Stanley Sanudi, Chimwemwe Nkhoma, Lawrence Chaziya, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Francisco Madinga, Christopher Kumwembe and Clement Nyondo.

The players already missed the first week of Flames training camp alongside players from FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Silver Strikers.

However, Bullets and Silver players joined Flames camp after their friendlies on Sunday.

Flames technical manager James Sangala confirmed that Wanderers players have not reported for Flames camp.

“We have been advised that the players will join camp on Saturday after their weekend assignments,” Sangala said.

Wanderers are at liberty to keep their players as Fifa rules and regulations state that players can be released four days before a tournament.

Friendlies are considered less important, with clubs being allowed to release players 48 hours before a match.

When contacted Wednesday, Wanderers Company Secretary Chancy Gondwe asked for ample time.

“[We] will come back to you,” Gondwe said.

Wanderers, who are under the tutelage of new coach Nsanzurwimo Ramadhan, are in Mponela, Dowa District, for a training camp.

They are on course to playing friendlies this weekend.

The development has forced Mabedi to call some players including striker Adiel Kaduya from Silver, goalkeeper Blessings Juma, midfielder Moses Banda (both from Civil Service United) and Chikumbutso Salima from Bullets.

The four players were not on the initial call-up for the tournament.

Meanwhile, sports analyst Parry Chinyama has said Wanderers have a valid point in holding on to their players since the Flames camp period was “too long”.

“Wanderers have a new technical team which needs to assess all players. As such, releasing the players for that long could have a negative impact on their preparations for the new season,” he said.

Mabedi is yet to announce his final squad for the tournament, which will take place in Lilongwe from March 18 to 26.

The tournament will involve hosts Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Zambia and Zimbabwe have named strong squads for the tournament